State Sen. Whitmire takes aim at Astrodome improvements

The Astrodome is pictured next to NRG stadium ahead of the Super Bowl, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 in Houston. A bill set to be introduced by Sen. John Whitmire would require voter approval for a $105 millionaire project to transform the Astrodome.

The Astrodome is pictured next to NRG stadium ahead of the Super Bowl, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 in Houston. A bill set to be introduced by Sen. John Whitmire would require voter approval for a $105 millionaire

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events, and other uses in the future. The plan was presented to commissioners June 28, 2016. Here are the schematics for what such a project could look like.

Harris County officials have proposed a $105 million project to raise the ground level of the Astrodome up two levels and turn them into parking, the first step before the stadium can be re purposed for events,

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 11 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 12 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 13 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 14 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 15 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 16 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 17 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 18 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 20 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 21 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 23 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 24 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 25 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 26 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 28 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 29 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 30 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 31 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 32 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 33 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 34 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 35 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 36 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 37 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 38 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 39 of 39

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

State Sen. Whitmire takes aim at Astrodome improvements

1 / 39

Back to Gallery

State Sen. John Whitmire said Friday he would introduce a bill next week that would require Harris County voters to approve a county project to renovate the Astrodome by raising its floors and installing parking underneath.

County officials had said when the proposal unveiled in September, the plan would make the Dome suitable for festivals or conferences and usher in potential commercial uses in the more than 550,000 square feet that surrounds the core.

Translator

To read this article in one of Houston's most-spoken languages, click on the button below.

But Whitmire said he had concerns about taxpayer dollars going toward retrofitting the Dome, especially after county voters in 2013 rejected a $217 million bond proposal that would have paid for massive renovations to the Astrodome.

"I'm just going to say before you spend taxpayer dollars after you've had a referendum, you have to go back out and get voter approval," Whitmire said.